First Time Buyers in Lanarkshire & Scotland
First Time Buyer Mortgages in Lanarkshire
Buying your first home is the one thing nobody ever teaches you. We tell you what you can borrow, what deposit you actually need and what happens at every stage, in plain English. No jargon and no pressure.
★★★★★ Helping first time buyers across Lanarkshire go from renting to their own front door. Rated 5-stars by hundreds of local clients.
Client Reviews
What Our Clients Say
"As first-time buyers, we were really anxious about the whole mortgage process and just didn't know what to expect, but Tony made everything straightforward and easy to understand. Tony and Katie were always quick to respond and kept us up to date at all times! The whole process has been quick and stress-free and I would definitely recommend to anyone!"
First Time Buyer
"Tony was an excellent mortgage broker from start to finish. He explained everything clearly, was always responsive, and made the process smooth and stress-free. As a first time buyer I felt confident knowing he had my best interests in mind and secured us a great offer."
First Time Buyer
"As a first time buyer the whole mortgage application process was daunting, but Tony was patient, knowledgable and attentive. No question was ever too silly (and I had plenty of them!) and he took the time to really make sure I understood each step of the process."
First Time Buyer
Why First Time Buyers Come to Us
First Homes Are What We Do Most
A big chunk of our clients are buying for the first time. That means no question is a daft one, and nothing gets sprung on you halfway through.
- ✓We work out what you can borrow before you fall in love with a house
- ✓We explain the Home Report, the LBTT bill and the solicitor fees up front
- ✓Deposit being gifted by family? We know which lenders take it and what they need in writing
- ✓Evening and flexible appointments, because most first time buyers work full time
- ✓Access to lender deals you will not find on the high street
How It Works
From First Chat to Front Door in Five Steps
Here is exactly what happens, and what we need from you at each stage.
Find Out What You Can Borrow
We look at your income, your outgoings and your credit file, then give you a real borrowing figure before you start viewing.
Work Out What It Really Costs
Deposit, monthly payment, LBTT, solicitor and survey fees. You get the full picture, not just the headline rate.
Get Your Mortgage in Principle
We get a Decision in Principle from a lender, so estate agents and sellers take your offer seriously.
Make Your Offer
We work alongside your solicitor and the estate agent so the offer goes in properly and on time.
Apply and Get the Keys
We submit the full application, chase the lender and stay with you right through to completion.
First Time Buyer Help
The Bits First Time Buyers Ask About Most
Every one of these is a question we get asked most weeks. There are no daft ones.
How Much Deposit Do I Need
Most lenders will look at 5% of the purchase price. A bigger deposit opens up more options, and we will tell you what yours actually buys you.
Check My Options →LBTT and First Time Buyer Relief
In Scotland, first time buyers pay no LBTT on the first £175,000, worth up to £600. We work out your bill before you offer on anything.
Work Out My Costs →Gifted Deposits from Family
A hand from parents or grandparents is common and lenders do accept it, but it has to be documented properly. We sort that side out.
Ask About Gifts →Making Sense of the Home Report
The Home Report gives you the valuation, the condition ratings and the energy rating. We talk you through the parts that affect your mortgage.
Get It Explained →Getting Your Credit File Ready
Not sure your credit is strong enough? We check it early and tell you straight what to fix and how long it is likely to take.
Check My Credit →Protecting Your First Home
Life cover, critical illness and income protection, so that a first mortgage does not turn into a worry later on.
Get Protected →Common Questions
First Time Buyer Questions, Answered
The things people ask us before they start looking.
Can I get a mortgage with a 5% deposit?
Yes. Plenty of lenders offer 95% mortgages to first time buyers. You will usually be offered a lower rate with 10% or more, so it is worth seeing both options side by side before you decide. What you can borrow still depends on your income, your outgoings and your credit history.
How much can I borrow?
As a rough guide, most lenders work to somewhere between four and five times your income. The real figure depends on your outgoings, any credit commitments and how you are paid, so we run your actual numbers rather than guess at them.
Do I pay LBTT as a first time buyer in Scotland?
First time buyer relief means there is no LBTT on the first £175,000 of the price, which is worth up to £600. Above that the normal bands apply. We will work out the exact figure for any property you are considering.
When do I need a solicitor?
In Scotland you need a solicitor lined up before you note interest or make an offer, because the offer is submitted by them. Get one appointed early so you are not scrambling when the right house comes up.
What does the Home Report tell me?
It holds a single survey with a valuation and condition report, a property questionnaire filled in by the seller, and an energy report. Lenders look at the valuation and the condition ratings, so it matters for your mortgage as well as for your own decision.
How long does it take from offer to getting the keys?
Eight to twelve weeks is typical in Scotland once your offer is accepted, though it moves with the chain and how quickly paperwork comes back. Having your mortgage in principle in place before you offer takes time off the front end.
Get in Touch
Book Your First Time Buyer Chat
Fill in the form and we will be in touch within one working day. No obligation, and no pressure to go ahead.